The Chosen Theme

Our research has led us away from the HR Geiger look towards a more industrial theme. We don't want something that looks too insect-like as it would be too similair to the Matrix or a lot of other robot sci-fi.

The robots in the cradles will therefore look quite practical and humanoid, whereas the robots operating the plant will look low-tech and heavy. I figured that the operators, including the surgeon, are quite low intelligence, almost like beasts of burden. I see the operators as being of a lower class than the robots being recycled, which would explain why the 'custodian' is fascinated by the memories on the screens, as they are so different to the subterraenean existance in the chamber.

Strata

Could create something cool using these as reference. I'll wait to decide on the colours until the rest of the scene is in place. This could provide a nice contrast to the drab concrete and rusty machinery.

Most of these textures are from www.mayang.com
You can download 20 high-res loyalty-free textures per day.

More textures...

Got a few more sets of photos for textures. Starting to get a good idea of the final look of the scene, so I'm concentrating on rusty metal and stained concrete for the walls. I think it would be cool if the natural rock parts of the chamber had some crazy strata running through them- something quite striking. Will do some research on that now.

Concept model

Here's some renders of the rough model. The colours don't represent the final look, I just put the walkways in red to illustrate where the maintenance droid can travel. Wheelchair access all round- I figure a motorised base for the robot is a good idea as it will save doing a walk cycle...

Thumbnails...

Just to keep up to date, here's the thumbnails from last week. I've included a sketch of the chamber and a couple of designs for the 'surgeon'.

London photos

A few examples of the reference photos I took in London. The drilling rig inspired the design of the machinery inside the chamber, which is quite obvious when you look at the concept drawings!